Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, has questioned the presidential ambition of Seyi Makinde, saying the Oyo State governor lacks the political structure and national support needed to mount a serious challenge in the 2027 presidential election.
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Rahman made the remarks on Sunday, 17 May in a commentary published on TheCable. This followed Makinde’s public declaration of intention to contest the presidency in 2027.
He claimed that Makinde’s political influence remains largely confined to Oyo State, particularly Ibadan, and that his presidential bid amounts to “a political gamble”.
In his assessment of Makinde’s chances, Rahman argued that while the governor has built a notable profile within Oyo State politics, his influence has not translated into a solid national political base.
He wrote, “How far he can go in the race is a matter of conjecture, as he lacks a strong political base outside of Ibadan.”
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Rahman also questioned the viability of the platform Makinde said he intends to use for his presidential bid, describing the governor’s proposed PDP-APM alliance as politically uncertain.
He noted that Makinde’s support outside the South-West appears limited, with only his relationship with Bala Mohammed standing out as a visible northern connection.
Rahman stated, “He claims to be running on the PDP-APM alliance, yet his only support across the Niger, in the North, is perhaps his connection with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.”
Rahman also pointed to Makinde’s political relationships over the years, contending that the governor has struggled to maintain long-term alliances with major political associates.
He cited Makinde’s past relationships with Senator Hosea Agboola, Chief Bisi Ilaka, and former political adviser Babs Oduyoye as examples of alliances that later broke down.
Rahman also referenced Makinde’s now strained relationship with Nyesom Wike, noting that Wike had actively supported Makinde’s re-election campaign in 2023.
He said, “I haven’t yet seen any politician burn political bridges as whimsically and recklessly as Makinde does.”
Rahman, however, acknowledged that Makinde has recorded achievements in governance, especially in infrastructure development across Oyo State.
He noted that many residents of the state concede that the governor has performed well in delivering infrastructure projects, but insisted that governance achievements alone may not automatically translate into national political appeal.
Rahman insisted that contesting for Nigeria’s highest office requires not only performance in office but also durable alliances, broad acceptability, and an extensive political network across the country.
As Rahman suggested, Makinde’s push for the presidency will test how much influence and legacy he really has outside Oyo State, especially as 2027 gets closer.
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